LNG Terminal operators launch the implementation of a new transparency tool

Following the CEER recommendation to facilitate the access to information to potential users, LNG Terminal operators agreed with CEER to launch the implementation of a new transparency tool:"The GLE Transparency Template".

In accordance with the provisions of the 3rd Energy Package, and in particular the ones of the Regulation (EC) No 715/2009, LNG Terminal Operators are currently publishing the right level of information on their websites. However, for promoting the access to any European LNG terminal, regulators proposed GLE to develop a common facilitating tool that would make the already existing information even more accessible to the market.

LNG plays different roles in different countries, and access conditions may significantly differ among LNG terminals. Therefore one main challenge for GLE was to develop a harmonised transparency tool respecting the diversity of business models and regulatory regimes that fits for all LSOs. Intensive work was carried out in close cooperation between GLE members and CEER to achieve this goal.

GLE members committed on a voluntarily basis to implement the common template into their existing websites for the benefit of the markets participants by summer 2012. In the meantime, some GLE members already started with an early implementation of the template.

Francisco de la Flor, GLE President, said: "Through the development of this transparency initiative, GLE members proved their commitment to an increasing level of transparency which is a key factor for the well functioning and evolution of the internal gas market". He also added that: "The new tool will function as a common gate allowing new users to be easily directed via hyperlinks from menus and submenus to the necessary information already existing in the LNG Terminal Operators' websites".

Note to Editors

Gas LNG Europe (GLE) currently gathers 14 European LNG terminal operators from 9 countries, representing around 90% of all the existing LNG regasification capacity in Europe. GLE is one column of Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) the European association of gas infrastructure operators. GLE is committed to promoting the development of a fully operational European internal market for LNG and the creation of a stable and predictable regulatory framework which is conducive to investments and which ensures transparency and non‐discriminatory treatment.